August 28, 2014

Which images will history
capture? Top and bottom left: August 2014
in Ferguson, MO a peaceful, interracial and interracial candlelight vigil. Photo by Stephanie Troutman; hashtag
#HealSTL. Top and bottom right: Members
of the 1961 Washington Freedom Riders Committee en route from New York City;
1960 Greensboro Lunch Sit-in at the F.W. Woolworth luncheon counter. source: Library of Congress

New crossroads have emerged where a growing
diversity meets increasing inequality over a deeply rooted historical landscape
of injustice. In bearing witness to an
unfolding stream of injustice across America this is an undeniable time in our
nation. We are reminded that while much
has been accomplished through the Civil Rights era there remains more work
ahead for justice and healing in America.

In Ferguson, Michael Brown was laid earlier
this week leaving his family, community and a nation to mourn with unanswered
questions about our live. A work for justice continues with physical and
emotional costs that require a new sustainable, collective strength and resilience enabling forces that can shed light in the darkest of places of our hearts and
minds.

Here are a few suggestions to remain healthier and strong for the days ahead:

Schedule personal time for
physical, meditation and/or faith practices.
Healthier nutritional practices can make difference. Drink water throughout the day. Get enough sleep.

I have
always believed that exercise is the key not only to physical health, but to
peace of mind.

—Nelson
Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Reflect. Take a look in your
mirror. Reflection is an informative process that helps establish authenticity.

Read beyond the pages of social
media. Use poetry, essays, stories and books to open your consciousness,
critical thought are necessary for growth and development.

Take on creative experiences with art, music,
dance and other forms work for good on the heart and mind.

Talk with family and friends
about your views with respect, but let your voice be heard. Informed differences in opinions and ideas can
improve understanding if we are open.
Ask questions.

Whatever you do let light and truth be your
guide for justice. Share your insight.

June 25, 2014

The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are
born, grow, live, work and age...shaped by the
distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local
levels. —World Health Organization (Rio Declaration, 2012)

Over the next few days SOCAP Health will consider the potential of the annual $2.7 trillion U.S. healthcare market for healthier communities. Healthcare is built on a patchwork of systems driven by illness and disease in clinical health care. Health is more than an absences of disease. For health we must consider physical, mental as well as social well-being.

Across our nation there is evidence of a health disadvantage. "Shorter Lives, Poorer Health" a report by the The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council recognizes significant shortfalls in improving life expectancy and health. SOCAP
has joined forces with The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, The
New York Academy of Medicine and the Build Healthy Places Network to convene an in-depth conversation about what creates health in our
society, and where entrepreneurial and funding/investing opportunities
exist. A systems approach to the social
determinants of health opens up entrepreneurial opportunities and new
investment frameworks that can drastically reduce healthcare costs and
improve lives. This conversation will explore frameworks and look holistically
at health systems, social systems and solutions that generate wellbeing
in communities. See how incentives can be better aligned to drive
outcomes through case studies of organizations that are leading the
field and creating the outcomes we seek.

You can follow and join the conversation as the Centers for Disease Control hosts a livestream broadcast. Use social media hashtag #SOCAP

SOCAP HEALTH: CREATING THE MARKET THAT VALUES HEALTH

As you watch and listen consider the following:

In cross sector efforts definitions and terms are important. For example:

CDC: community development corporation (#commdev); the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Social Impact Bond (SIB): while a bond is a debt financing tool between investors and borrowers, a social impact bond is a contractual commitment and investment aimed to yield social outcomes with public sector savings.

Social capital means social networks have value.

Often unheard, the most vulnerable populations and communities should be stakeholders in these efforts.

New partners and partnership matter more than ever including health care, public health, business, philanthropy and government moving at scale to shape healthier communities.

Looking forward to a better future for health.

Katherine Ellington

support innovations and investments that build healthy communities.

Learn how current health and social service systems are promoting
innovative solutions to improving health in low-income communities

Meet entrepreuneurs and policymakers working at the intersection of finance and health

Hear from organizations whose investments are generating economic gains and improvements in health and well-being

SOCAP is an organization and an event series that connects leading
global innovators—investors, foundations, institutions and social
entrepreneurs—with opportunities to direct the power and efficiency of
market systems towards social impact.
SOCAP has joined forces with The Federal Reserve Bank of San
Francisco, The New York Academy of Medicine, and the National
Partnership for Community Development & Health to convene an
in-depth conversation about what creates health and where
entrepreneurial and funding/investing opportunities exist to build
healthy communities.
Now in its second year, SOCAP Health will bring together leaders in
finance, policy, health systems, community development, philanthropy,
and impact investing to work together to create a new market that values
health beyond traditional health care. We need to explore how to
leverage capital from all sectors to support promising investment
opportunities in programs that can create the conditions critical to
improving health in communities through economic development, food
security, built and natural environments, education and transportation,
and building community resilience.
It is important that the broader health care, public health, and
health policy communities join these conversations and help shape their
outcomes—please join us for this exciting event.
- See more at: http://www.nyam.org/events/2014/2014-06-25.html#sthash.G7myHQ1d.dpu

March 03, 2014

Another winter storm system is moving across the nation. New York City has not had this much of a mix
of bitter cold and snow for many years. As snowstorms come and go each pattern
is unique. The moderate chill in the air in the early days of winter of December seem less memorable as each storm and cold air pressure system brings
another round of uncertainty for the days ahead.Instead
of dreaming of spring and summer remain in this season.Find new comfort, warmth and come up with ideas for pleasure in response in response to a winter mix of emotions and stress.

Check-in with family and friends especially the elderly consider making
time for longer cheerful conversations. Share good memories with a hot cup of tea at the kitchen table.Experience the wonder of the season through
the excitement that babies and children often feel at the sight of their first snowflakes.

In winter
sunrises and sunsets can be phenomenal!

Central Park just at the break of day.

Days are shorter and timing is everything. For example, a
late start can add more stress and time to an already challenging commute. Running
late can be erupt anxious feelings including frustration.Traffic moves slower especially with potholes
and since transportation systems are prone to delays.You have check and recheck for updates as you travel.When the snow comes making time to dig out
may mean less rest, but may also exercise. Be sure to stretch and warm up before you get out there with your shovel.

You may be moving at a slower pace, but winter beyond the
holiday season can be an intense time. Adjusting
work, school and other schedules with late starts and early dismissals interrupts
flow and output.Missed and delayed
deadlines may be unavoidable so get creative.Setup some time and space to work from where you are, online grocery shopping
may save time, if possible take the train or bus so that you have time to read
up or rest.

Carry on and also take time relax consider a weekend afternoon
nap. Catch up on bookshelf reading, music or movies.

Physical care matters

It’s a wintry mix outside, but sitting too long is not a
good plan. Find ways to stay active. We need exercise, but activities
we take on for pleasure and relaxation may be cancelled, you can turn up some
good music, get up and move at home.

Dress for the season!Layers, hats, scarves and boots can make all the difference as our
bodies work hard at thermoregulation in cold weather.Hypothermia
and frostbite
are real challenge so be sure to stay warm and dry.

We tend to eat more during the winter and so having
a crockpot, stew or other one pot meals can be fulfilling, budget friendly and
time saving. There are also great
seasonal options for fruits and vegetables that can stretch you budget and add
flavor for a healthier plate. Go on try new foods!

January 14, 2014

The
Health Matters conference is an annual event that showcases what the
Clinton Foundation's strategic partners from across sectors – business,
technology, sports and philanthropy – are doing to contribute to the
health and wellness of people throughout the United States. Join the dialogue on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #HealthMatters2014. - See more at: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/our-work/clinton-health-matters/conference#sthash.7xrDZrzh.dpuf

The Clinton Foundation's Health Matters conference convenes strategic partners for thought-leadership and action on health and wellness. Follow and participate using the hashtag #HealthMatters2014

Online
viewers can join the dialogue on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using
#HealthMatters2014.
The Clinton Health Matters Initiative works to improve the health and
well-being of people across the United States by activating individuals,
communities, and organizations to make meaningful contributions to the
health of others. - See more at:
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/get-involved/take-action/attend-an-event/2014-health-matters-conference#sthash.fvJZ2kJE.dpufa

Online
viewers can join the dialogue on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using
#HealthMatters2014.
The Clinton Health Matters Initiative works to improve the health and
well-being of people across the United States by activating individuals,
communities, and organizations to make meaningful contributions to the
health of others. - See more at:
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/get-involved/take-action/attend-an-event/2014-health-matters-conference#sthash.fvJZ2kJE.dpuf

Online
viewers can join the dialogue on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using
#HealthMatters2014.
The Clinton Health Matters Initiative works to improve the health and
well-being of people across the United States by activating individuals,
communities, and organizations to make meaningful contributions to the
health of others. - See more at:
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/get-involved/take-action/attend-an-event/2014-health-matters-conference#sthash.fvJZ2kJE.dpuf

Tweets

Disclaimer: Nothing replaces direct care provided by a health professional. World House Medicine (WHM) offer individual medical advice. Any information published on this blog is not intended as a substitute for medical care and you should not take any action before consulting with your doctor or a health professional. The views expressed on this blog reflect my own opinions, not any employer or institution.